The King of Kong

Starring: Steve Wiebe, Billy Mitchell, Walter Day
Directed by: Seth Gordon
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Documentary
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Novice gamer Steve Wiebe decides to go after Billy Mitchell's long-standing record in Donkey Kong.

Review:

Tim: I was truly blown away by this movie. This film represents what all documentaries should strive to be. It is a documentary, but more important- it is a truly entertaining and emotional affair. I went into this movie expecting to see the world of competitive gaming. Seth Gordon does not disappoint. However, I was completely unprepared for what this movie is really about- it is truly a movie about one man's quest, and the sacrifices he makes, the evils he combats. This might sound silly, but it is never, not even for a second.

Gordon does an amazing job as a storyteller. We are captivated by this movie. I will admit that a movie about a bunch of nerds playing video games (I'm a big video gamer, but I know there are limits- these guys, not so much) could easily be laughable for all the wrong reasons. Gordon refuses to let this happen- everything that takes place in this movie, although it is about video games- is of the utmost importance. This reflects the unbelievably serious view these hardcore gamers take. It is easy to get into this world.

I loved the film's following of Steve Wiebe as he sets out to topple Billy Mitchell's all-time Donkey Kong score, which has stood untouched since 1982. This movie quickly becomes Wiebe v. Mitchell, and like all good stories, our good v. evil. I will never know how much Gordon slanted this movie, but the footage doesn't lie. Wiebe is an everyman, a family man, and someone we can instantly identify with. Billy Mitchell is an arrogant, egotistical boob. He takes himself far too seriously, and at times it is sickening to see how other people kneel down before this terrible person. As the movie progresses, Wiebe faces challenge after challenge, always handling them with honor and grace. Mitchell, however, looks worse and worse as he shows himself to be full of himself and a coward. I am amazed at how emotional I got about this story. In far too many movies, I've complained about the lack of an emotional impact. In The King of Kong, Gordon gives us that elusive emotional impact that stays with us long after finishing the movie.

I loved this movie so much because it takes you to this bizarre world of competitive gaming- a world where eccentric people spend countless hours of their time seeking a goal most people would only shrug at and move on. The people featured in this movie dedicate huge, huge parts of their lives to this endeavor. I love that director Seth Gordon doesn't judge these people- he simply turns the camera on them and tries to capture them as they are. I truly appreciate the seriousness of this film, especially since it is about a "sport" that most people would never take seriously. Because of this and his storytelling ability, Gordon has crafted one of the great documentaries, and truly a classic movie.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



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